County Fair: Kids Rock Out at Battle of the Bands

Imagine getting the chance to play and compete as a real rock band.

It’s a dream come true for most kids. This is exactly what the Battle of the Bands competition at the Alameda County Fair provided for many local teens and their bands. They got a place to showcase their talents and maybe even win some cool prizes.

The competition was sponsored by The Garage Band Academy, Rockin’ Jump, and ABC Music Source.

“It’s been really fun," said Judge Kelly Fasman, who is a local drum and percussion instructor.

"There’s been a lot of talent here and a big variety of styles — all rock but different styles. It’s great to see a bunch of students performing and playing so well. It’s very inspiring,” 

Bands for this were chosen in a variety of ways and came from all over the Bay Area. Many of them are students at The Garage Band Academy, so they were encouraged by the instructors there to participate. Some other bands had more interesting stories of how they got involved.

A local Pleasanton band, Mutually Assured Destruction, was very rushed when they decided to participate. On Wednesday, they played a show at the First Wednesday Street Fair in downtown Pleasanton and then spontaneously decided to approach the coordinators about joining battle of the bands. Luckily they were able to join.

Band member Caleb Baldwin, the guitarist, said, “this was a very rewarding experience, and I’m glad we got to do it. The best part about it that we get to act crazy and have fun at the same time.”

Another band from Castro Valley called Defective found out about the competition in another way. They have been together as a band for about three to four years, and this was a great opportunity for them to perform. They started the band for a fifth-grade talent show and have continued ever since.

Band member Nick Lievre enjoyed performing but just does like the fact that “we don’t get paid.”

The vocalist, Haley Pryde, said “the best part is being able to perform and see the crowd and feel the excitement.”

Entrants had to submit a one-to-four minute video audition tape to be considered for the competition. All band members had to be between the ages of 10 and 17. The competition had two levels and bands were separated into intermediate and advanced levels. Round one of the competition took place on Friday June 24 and helped narrow down the teams for round two, which was on Friday July 8.  

Battle of the Bands was held at the Festival Square Stage and went from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. both days. In order to perform, each band had to perform a 15-to-20 minute set. On the first day the bands with the most votes advanced to the second round. The top four bands in each division entered round two. Three judges picked the winners from round two.

The prizes were as follows: first place was an introduction to a talent agent and the opportunity to play at an event at Rockin Jump; second place was recording time in a local Bay Area studio; and third place was classes held at The Garage Band Academy in Pleasanton.

Judges used three categories to decide the winners: stage presence, song selection and overall ability.

The crowd definitely enjoyed the performances; even the hot weather didn’t drive them away.

In addition to the competing bands, on the first day there was a headliner act, Haunted by Heroes. Overall, it was an exciting experience for both the bands and the audience. It was one of the best events at the Alameda County Fair this year.